She was born on September 24, 1940 in Jackson, TN, the daughter of Harriet and Richard Dolbeer. She was married to Dr. Charles R. “Pepper” Bray in 1959. G.G. attended the Jackson City Schools, graduating from JHS in 1958. She attended the University of Mississippi and graduated from Lambuth College in 1962 with a BA in Education. She taught in Jackson City Schools at West Jackson Elementary, Lambuth Memorial Preschool, and served as Director of First Presbyterian Playschool for 30 years. She also worked at the Learning Enrichment Center at Lambuth College for many years. After retiring from teaching she worked part time for Randolph’s Nursery for over ten years and loved it.
G.G. was a life-long member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. She served on the Vestry many times and was active in Episcopal Church Women (ECW) and served on the Altar Guild.
She belonged to Delta Beta Sigma in High School and Kappa Delta Sorority at Ole Miss. In later years she joined PEO International Sisterhood and served as State President of TN in 1994-95; Jackson Cotillion Club, Service League Mary Anna Ashby Children’s Fund, Master Gardener, and several Bridge Clubs.
She enjoyed first and foremost her grandchildren and families, Lambuth Athletics when Pepper was coaching, all the preschool children and their families that touches her life, playing tennis for over thirty years, gardening, and all our wonderful travels and so many special friendships.
G.G. was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved daughter, Anna Kathryn Bray Conder; her grandparents, Grace and Charles Gale; and sisters-in-law, Saundra Dolbeer of Huron, OH and Janice Bray Pearson of Oak Ridge, TN.
She is survived by her husband, Pepper; son, John Bray and his daughter Ruthie Cait Bray; son-in-law, Dale Conder and wife, Leigh Ann; and four precious granddaughters, Courtney Conder, Carly Conder, Caroline Conder, and Chloe Conder. Also surviving are special nieces, Jennie Dolbeer Geise and Cynthia Dolbeer Tomasch of Cleveland, OH, and their families; Emily Bray Vernick of Seminole, FL; and a nephew, Bobby Joe Bray of Kensington, MD; and a beloved brother, Richard Dolbeer of Huron, OH.
The family will receive friends and loved ones from 10 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2019 in The Commons of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 309 East Baltimore St., Jackson, TN 38301.
The funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Monday, April 15, 2019 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church with The Rev. Gayle McCarty, Rector, officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Columbarium of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, First Presbyterian Playschool, WTHC – Kirkland Cancer Center, the PEO State Scholarship, or the G.G. Bray Scholarship for Education Majors at the University of Memphis at Lambuth.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18